Read Skin-Care Product Labels Carefully
“The wording on the label is not necessarily an appropriate representation of the substance contained within the container or its possible effects on the skin,” Dr. Rajani Katta stated in a news release from the academy. Katta is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine.
“Manufacturers may use specific terminology for marketing objectives, and the same phrases may imply various things on different goods — which makes determining what they mean for our skin challenging,” Katta added.
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States does not control the language used on skin-care product labels. That is, she noted, phrases such as “for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic” do not ensure that a product would not irritate or induce an allergic reaction.
Likewise, products labeled “all-natural” are not always beneficial. “Bear in mind that poison ivy is ‘all-natural.’ And even if a natural component is beneficial to your skin, some products may mix it with potentially hazardous chemicals or preservatives, “Katta said.
Additionally, fragrance-free goods may lawfully contain fragrance compounds if they are utilized for a purpose other than smell. Additionally, the word “unscented” does not imply that a product is fragrance-free. It can refer to goods that use fragrance compounds to conceal the odors of other, more potent substances, Katta noted.
“Unfortunately, no labeling language ensures that a product is hypoallergenic or suited for sensitive skin,” she explained. That’s why we should Read Skin-Care Product Labels Carefully
Complicating things, Katta added that responses to skin-care products may not be immediately evident. Certain individuals acquire an allergy to a substance even after months or years of use.
Katta recommended the following suggestions to help avoid skin reactions:
- Before attempting to use a new product, test a tiny quantity on your forearm for a week to determine whether it causes an allergic reaction.
- Read Skin-Care Product Labels Carefully
- Read and adhere to all product instructions.
- Avoid introducing new items to your skin if it is sensitive or inflamed.